5 Types of Cables Used In Every Computer System 

We all know that a computer system consists of various devices and parts that connect to the computer’s motherboard or other external ports. While some internal components in a CPU connect to the motherboard directly, other external parts of a computer system require different types of cables and cords. From power cords to USB cables, many cables are used to assemble a computer system. Not everyone is a computer nerd to know them all. But if you want to know about the cables used in the computer system, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the five cables used in every computer system. 

1. Power cord 

The most crucial cord in a computer system is the power cord or a computer monitor power cord. As the name suggests, the cable connects to the computer on one end and the power outlet on the other. These power cords comply with the IEC standards as most household appliances. While the plug of the power cords that goes into the power outlet is similar, the other end of the cord may vary, depending upon the computer system. The IEC C13 &C14 is a standard power cord for most desktop computers and is also known as a kettle plug. The next type of power cord is the IEC C5 & C6, a standard charging plug for laptops. IEC C7 & C8 is another type of computer power cord used in the chargers of some laptops too. 

2. VGA cable 

You may have seen the blue VGA cable connecting the monitor to the CPU. However, not everyone may know what it’s called and its use. The blue cord is known as VGA (video graphics array) cable, and its primary function is to carry visual display data to the monitor from the CPU. It establishes a connection between the CPU and a display device. The VGA cable usually has connectors at both ends. One end of the cable connects to the graphic card port on the motherboard, while the other connects to the display device. VGA cables are also available in various types, but the shorter ones with insulation and coaxial cable provide better video display quality. 

3. HDMI cable 

The next type of computer cable on the list is an HDMI cable. You may have come across or used this cable while connecting your television to your CPU. An HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable transfers high-quality audio and video. It is similar to a VGA cable transferring video to a display device. Still, the HDMI cable connects to almost all display devices like projectors, television screens, Blu-Ray players, and laptops. Moreover, the cable can transmit audio and video without requiring an additional audio jack. That means that you can not only use your TV for video display but also make use of the speakers for audio output while connecting it to your computer. 

4. USB cable 

Here’s another most commonly used type of cable in a computer system. The primary function of USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables is connecting various input and output devices to the computer. USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 are the standard USB cables available in the market lately. However, USB 3.0 is the latest version of the cable and is capable of faster data transfer speeds. Using a USB cable, you can connect to various storage devices like hard drives, USB flash drives, and external optical devices. You can also use it for data transfer and charging your mobile phones and tablets. Using a USB cable, you can connect input devices like a webcam, mouse, keyboard, and printer. 

5. PS/2 cable 

While assembling a computer, you may have encountered cables with purple and green tips on both ends. The cable has a six-pin mini-DIN connector at both ends and plugs into the PS/2 port. Commonly known as a PS/2 cable, these are useful in connecting input devices like mouse and keyboard to the CPU of a computer system. The cable with a purple tip that goes into the purple port of the CPU connects a keyboard. In contrast, the green one is used to connect a mouse. However, the PS/2 cables are beginning to fade as computer manufacturers and users switch to USB cables to connect input devices. 

Final Thoughts 

Those were some of the necessary cables used in every computer system. Hopefully, the article helped you gain more insight into various cables and cords of a computer. Remember, buying high-quality cables that meet the standard requirements and certifications is essential to avoid damaging the computer. If you find any cord or cable damaged or worn out, it is better to replace them than repairing. That way, you can evade huge damage costs in the long run.